Determination of optimal load during the power clean in collegiate athletes.

MedLine Citation:

PMID:
22190161
Owner:
NLM
Status:
Publisher

Abstract/OtherAbstract:

Although previous research has been performed in similar areas of study, the optimal load for the development of peak power during training remains controversial, and this has yet to be established in collegiate level athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal load to achieve peak power output during the power clean in collegiate athletes. Nineteen male collegiate athletes (age 21.5 ± 1.4 years; height 173.86 ± 7.98 cm; body mass 78.85 ± 8.67 kg) performed three repetitions of power cleans, while standing on a force platform, using loads of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80% of their pre-determined 1-RM power clean, in a randomized, counter-balanced order. Peak power output occurred at 70% 1-RM (2951.7 ± 931.71 W), which was significantly greater than the 30% (2149.5 ± 406.98W, p=0.007), 40% (2201.0 ± 438.82 W, p=0.04) and 50% (2231.1 ± 501.09 W, p=0.05) conditions, although not significantly different when compared to the 60% and 80% 1-RM loads. In addition, force increased with an increase in load, with peak force occurring at 80% 1-RM (1939.1 ± 320.97 N), which was significantly greater (p<0.001) than the 30, 40, 50 and 60% 1-RM loads, but not significantly greater (p>0.05) than the 70% 1-RM load (1921.2 ± 345.16 N). In contrast there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in rate of force development across loads. When training to maximize force and power it may be advantageous to use loads equivalent to 60-80% of 1-RM, in collegiate level athletes.